Maruti has unveiled its new Ertiga compact MPV at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The Ertiga, which is due to go on sale by late-March 2012, is Maruti’s first crack at the MPV segment. Based on an extended Swift platform, the Ertiga carries the Maruti family look with the front resembling the Ritz hatchback while the peeled-back headlights that stretch to the pronounced wheel arches are reminiscent of the new Swift. The front bumper styling is quite sporty with a large air inlet and neat enclosures for the fog lights. Tail styling looks rather generic though. The overall length is 4265mm so the Ertiga does not qualify for excise benefits available to sub four-metre cars.

Maruti has extended the Swift wheelbase to 2740mm and this has allowed the inclusion of a third row of seats – the Ertiga can seat seven passengers in a 2+3+2 layout. Flexible seating also allows you to reconfigure the seats to free up luggage space by folding the last row and also individual seats on the middle row. The cabin features a combination of black and beige plastics and this gives it an upmarket look. However, the dashboard design is identical to the Swift. The Ertiga will be offered in three trim levels on both petrol and diesel versions, and though climate control will not be offered on any model, a twin AC system will be part of standard kit.

Maruti will debut the new K14B petrol engine on the Ertiga. The latest addition to the K-Series engine family produces 93.87bhp at 6000rpm and 13.25kgm at 4000rpm. If the 16.02kpl ARAI-tested figure is anything to go by, real-world fuel economy from this motor should be good too. The Ertiga uses the same gearbox as the Swift though the gear ratios have been tweaked to compensate for the heavier loads the engine will be subject to. Also on offer will be the 89bhp, 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine from the SX4.

Maruti has worked to make the Ertiga as car-like as possible and that is sure to be a major draw for buyers. If priced right, the Ertiga has the makings of yet another winner for Maruti.